Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a Republican candidate for governor, has expressed her opposition to legalizing recreational marijuana in the state. In a recent interview, Garrity stated that she would veto any bill that legalizes recreational marijuana if she is elected in November. This stance puts her at odds with incumbent Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro, who has long supported the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Garrity believes that the Republican-controlled Senate will not pass a bill allowing recreational marijuana, and therefore, it will not be included in the state budget. She also emphasized that she does not support legalizing recreational marijuana, citing concerns about its potential impact on the state.
In contrast, Shapiro has proposed legalizing marijuana in his budget address, citing the potential tax revenue it could generate. He believes that Pennsylvania should follow the lead of its neighboring states, which have already legalized recreational marijuana. Since its legalization in 2022, New Jersey has generated around $156 million in taxes from recreational marijuana sales.
Shapiro’s campaign has responded to Garrity’s stance, criticizing her opposition to legalization and emphasizing the need for “comprehensive cannabis reform” to be more competitive. The campaign argues that legalizing marijuana could bring in critical revenue that could be invested in schools, public safety, and small businesses.
